Civil-rights activist Julian Bond kicked off UCF’s Diversity Week on Monday by urging those at a sold-out breakfast in the Pegasus Ballroom to continue the struggle of equality for everyone.
Bond recounted the lives of many of the people who have contributed to the cause through the years, and complimented the next generation of leaders around the nation who are picking up the mantle to continue the work.
The former Georgia senator and representative spoke about “The Road to Freedom, From Alabama to Obama.” Through the years, Bond also helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Poverty Law Center, and served 11 years as chair of the NAACP. He continues with his activism as chairman emeritus.
Bond also introduced in the audience Wayne Embry, an NBA player from 1959 to 1969 and the first African-American general manager of an NBA team.
The week’s UCF theme is “Remember and Reflect – The Civil Rights Act of 1964,” and is a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the federal legislation. Lectures, workshops, films, food and other activities are scheduled through the week, which has been organized by the UCF Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Events are scheduled by groups around campus and will address a variety of diversity and inclusion topics.
For more information about the week and a complete schedule of events, visit www.diversity.ucf.edu.